Ultimate Travel Experience

It is the largest and longest lying dragon in the Far East. A man-made structure designed to keep out intruders, fortified with blood, sweat and lives of countless people who built it, the Great Wall of China has been noted to be a structure visible from space. Portions of the Wall have been built and rebuilt throughout the succession of dynasties in China that there have been fluctuations in design and architecture over the years. However, it has retained its purpose of showing China as a dominant Eastern country in terms of geographical significance and military strength. Its massive mass and structure are made mostly from earth stones, wood and during the later part, bricks. They were cut in rectangular shapes to make them easier to work with and were used to line the foundations, the inner and outer brims, gateways and battlements. Watchtowers and barracks were built at regular intervals to keep communication between a million Chinese manning the Wall at any given time.

Familiar with wall building techniques in 7th century B.C., the Chinese constructed the Wall beginning in the now known Spring and Autumn period. Extensive fortifications were added from 5th century BC to 221 BC to defend the borders of Qi, Yan and Zhao from small arms such as swords and spears, strengthened by stamping moist earth and gravel to wooden board frames. After conquering all opposing states and unifying China in 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang intended to impose the centralized rule to prevent the resurgence of feudal lords, ordering the destruction of portions of the wall that divided his new empire along former state borders. His intentions to protect his new empire were shown by adding new wall fortifications connecting the northern frontier and transporting local materials for its construction. In the course of its building, peasants have died and were buried in its walls. During the Qin dynasty, due to the materials used, parts of the walls eroded over time and few sections remain standing today.

The following dynasties like Han, Sui Northern and Jin repaired, rebuilt and expanded portions of the Great Wall to defend people behind it against invasion. It was revived elaborately during the Ming dynasty after failing to gain an upper-hand battle against the Mongols. It is considerably stronger in its Beijing section as it is Ming’s capital during that time.

Towards the end of the Shun dynasty, Manchu invasions during the 1600 were unsuccessful because of the Great Wall’s existence. Manchus were finally able to cross the Great Wall in 1644 when Gen. Wu Sangui opened the gates of Shanhaiguan because of his dislike of the rulers of the Shun dynasty. They seized Beijing and established the Qing dynasty. Under it, Mongolia was annexed into China and construction was halted.

If visiting China for the first time, the North Pass or Joyungguan or Badaling to locals, is striking for its historical significance. It used to have many guards as it was guarding Beijing, Ming’s capital, and was made from stone and bricks from the region’s hills. The Great Wall has various watchtowers (67 in all) and a sight to behold as they rise 980 meters above sea level. If in the Southeast, the Mutianyu Great Wall gives the view of cragged lofty mountains connecting to Joyungguan to the west and Gubeikou to the east. Notably, Shanhaiguan known as Number One Pass under Heaven is built in the extremity of the Wall. It is where the first pass was built on. Because of its great structure, most of its section is in disrepair and needs reconstruction, thus portions are closed to the public. Prone to graffiti and vandalism, parts of the Wall in remote areas are destroyed and tourist vendors plagued those nearer developed areas.

The belief that it is visible from the moon is not true. This urban legend has persisted but has been disputed by sources like US and Chinese astronauts. It cannot be seen in space as the width of the Wall is smaller to even be seen from 200 miles (320 kms)  up in the sky unless you know where to look and is aided by high powered binoculars.

In this day and age, the Great Wall of China helped in preserving the rich Chinese culture and heritage preventing Western influences from coming in and changing the landscape. The Wall has served its purpose of preventing “invaders” from coming into China and influencing them to deviate from their beliefs and practices. More of a self-preservation idea but the nation’s identity was strengthened however arduous it must have been during that time. The Wall is significant today as it was before because its purpose of building walls to prevent invasion was also built to protect its people. Regardless of when and why it was built, the Great Wall of China instilled pride to a young nation on the brink of greatness.